The Summer Reading Challenge is a fun, free way for children aged 4–11 to stay motivated to read during the summer holidays. Children set their own reading goal and can read anything they enjoy – all books count! One in four children hasn’t reached the expected level of reading by the age of 11 and many will struggle to keep up at secondary school, despite reading for pleasure being one of the single biggest indicators of children’s development. The Summer Reading Challenge provides: Amazing way to boost confidence and self-esteem. They will be better prepared to return to school in the autumn. The Challenge supports the move into a new year group. The library provides free access to books and fun family activities all through the summer. Your child will be part of a UK-wide programme developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with the public library network. How to take part? (Library or online) At the library: you need to be a library member. Join the Library Now Visit your local Barking and Dagenham library to sign up. Set a summer reading goal and choose from books, eBooks, or audiobooks Receive a special sticker booklet and collect rewards for reading Or online Visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk Sign up, set a reading goal, and get book recommendations Unlock digital badges and earn a printable certificate Don’t miss out – head to your local library and sign up this summer!

Residents, families, and partners joined Councillors on Tuesday 27th May to celebrate the official launch of Our Hubs BD website at the Dagenham Learning Centre Community and Family Hub.  The new digital platform https://ourhubsbd.london/ is set to transform how Barking and Dagenham residents connect with services, events, and each other.  The launch event brought together local voices to highlight the importance of access to information, support, and opportunities in one easy-to-use online space. A live demonstration of the website featured showcasing accessibility tools and different functions on the website to suit user’s needs. Our Hubs BD is now live, serving as a central website for families to discover local events, activities, advice, and vital services tailored to their needs. The website includes: Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disabilities, said: “Our Hubs BD is about making it easier for people to find what they need and feel more connected to where they live. Whether it’s a parent looking for support, a young person searching for activities, or a resident wanting to get involved in the community, this platform brings it all together.” Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health Integration, added: “By putting information and opportunities at people’s fingertips, we are helping families thrive and grow together. Our Hubs BD will be a key tool in making sure everyone in our borough feels included and supported.” Residents can now explore the new platform by visiting https://ourhubsbd.london/ to discover everything their local community has to offer.

If you have a weakened immune system, you may be eligible for a Spring Covid-19 vaccine to help protect against serious illness. People with weakened immune systems (also known as immunosuppressed individuals) are at higher risk of severe complications from Covid-19. This includes those who: This list is not exhaustive. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or specialist for guidance. 📅 Don’t delay – protect yourself this spring.🌐 Visit www.nhs.uk/CovidVaccination📞 Call 119🔍 Search “NHS Covid vaccine” for more info  

Thank you for visiting Our Hubs BD! We’re always looking for ways to improve your experience and better serve our community. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. This short survey will help us understand what’s working well on the website, what could be improved, and what new features or content you’d like to see. It only takes a few minutes, and your responses will directly shape the future of Our Hubs BD. Let’s build a better hub—together.

Protect yourself and those around you—get vaccinated today! Vaccinations are a vital part of everyday life in the UK, helping to save millions of lives globally. Thanks to vaccines, diseases like smallpox and polio—once deadly—have now disappeared or are extremely rare. While most vaccines are given in childhood, adults also have access to important routine immunisations. If eligible, you may be offered vaccinations for shingles, RSV, or pneumococcal disease, along with annual seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccines. Spring Covid-19 Vaccination: Stay Protected By springtime, your protection from previous Covid-19 vaccinations begins to decline. Covid-19 remains dangerous, especially for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. To reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, an additional Covid-19 vaccine is available this spring for: ✅ Adults aged 75 years and over✅ Residents in a care home for older adults ✅ Adults with a weakened immune system How to Get Your Spring Covid-19 Vaccination If eligible, you can book your vaccine through: 💉 Your local pharmacy—many offer walk-in services with no appointment needed. Find one near you at https://www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in. 📲 The NHS App or online at https://www.nhs.uk/bookcovid. 📞 Calling 119 for assistance. Stay Informed For more details about vaccinations, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or https://northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/vaccinations/ 

Last Wednesday (23 April) saw the launch of the new Our Hubs BD website, a central place for residents to find information, local events, activities, and support services. The website offers tailored support to meet diverse needs, featuring: Hubs: Welcoming spaces providing information, advice, support, events, and activities. Help for families: Resources for parenting, infant feeding, and engaging activities. Help for everyone: Guidance for all ages to meet personal needs. Events: Discover daily and monthly events across the borough. Join In: Volunteer, participate in community projects, and share feedback. News and Celebrations: Stay updated on what’s new and exciting. Visit Our Hubs BD today to explore the wealth of resources available to you.

We are excited to announce the launch of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s Family Hub Toy Library! This initiative aims to support families by providing access to a wide range of toys that can aid in children’s development and learning. The toy library is designed to engage families, offering them resources to enhance playtime and strengthen family bonds.  The first toy library opens at the Barking Learning Centre Community & Family Hub in April. This is the first of many, with additional toy libraries set to open in the coming months at various family hub sites, including Dagenham Learning Centre Community & Family Hub and Marks Gate Community & Family Hub. The toy library will be available after the PEEP group activities in each of the family hubs, providing a seamless transition from group learning to individual play. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on our community and the joy it will bring to families. 

On 27 March 2025, the Afro-Caribbean Health Show at Barking Learning Centre welcomed over 300 attendees, creating a vibrant and supportive space for African and Caribbean communities across the Borough. Led by Parissé Devaux and Erica Deti, this integrated, personalised neighbourhood pop-up clinic brought together a diverse range of services to empower and uplift residents. Health and well-being took centre stage, with NELFT NHS Foundation Trust professionals offering expertise in mental health, long-term conditions, and health visiting. Meanwhile, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust specialists provided support in haematology and sexual health. Beyond healthcare, local authority teams offered essential guidance on housing, financial support, social prescribing, and smoking cessation, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being. Community organisations played a vital role, delivering services for children, young people, and adults, alongside dental care, hair cutting, massage therapy, and more. To celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the event, attendees also enjoyed delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine, adding warmth and tradition to a day dedicated to connection and care. This gathering exemplified the power of community, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity—proving that when we come together, health and culture thrive side by side.